George Swan Nottage (1823 - 1885) was from an old family of Nottages in the county of Glamogan in Wales. He was born in London and spent his early years in Essex. In his young years he worked for the firm of his uncle Robert William Kennard that was involved in the manufacture and trade of iron goods.

 

In 1854 he decided to display some stereoviews in the window of the shop he just opened on Oxford street. Seeing those stereoviews quickly sold, Nottage saw a business opportunity and by the end of 1854 he and his cousin, Howard John Kennard, launched the London Stereoscope Company (which later became the London Stereoscopic Company) of which he was a Managing Partner for many years.

 

Although we know that Nottage was involved in choosing the subjects of some of the stereoviews that his company published, it is unclear whether he made photographs himself.

 

Nottage was involved in many other businesses, including iron trade, banking, real-estate, optics, carpentry and insurance. He served as Alderman (member of municipal council) and Sheriff. In 1884 Nottage became the Lord Mayor of London. He died on the 11th of April 1885, while in office, after a bout of bronchitis (or pleurisy). He was buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

 

His son Charles George Nottage took over the management of the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company after his death.